post-op - basic activity - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

halina · 04-01-2003, 03:15 PM

Basic activity- how it looks like,
Sleeping - back or side, no problem even with the Miami collar.I prefer the second one.
Swallowing - problem, but it takes time to throat area not to be swollen from the adjacent procedure.
When did you take first shower. Did you change your collar for it, on your own or with hubby/son/daughter help, in standing or lying position. Front wound is still fresh covered with bandage, what about it.
Do you do any execises from doc recommendations just to strenghten your upper arm muscles. Any advice very appreciated.
Halina

BWL · 04-01-2003, 03:26 PM

Hi Halina,

Great to see you getting along so well.

I was instructed to and did change my bandage daily. I was given a stack of surgical bandages and bought a box of gloves (because it was fun). After my first week I kept the wound uncovered so that the air could get to it and help it along. If I put my soft collar on I would put a tissue between the incision and the collar.

I took my first excruciatingly cautious shower three days post-op as per my instructions. I kept my hand over the incision so it wouldn't get too wet and just patted it dry. Editorial Note: This was the best shower in the history of showers. I was ovewhelmed when I was able to lift my arm to the top of my head and shampoo without any pain. Hold onto something always! (please).

I would think it is way too soon to do any kind of strengthening exercises. My first six weeks, walking was the only permitted exercise and I had a 4-5 pound weight limit.

Keep getting better halina, sounds like you're doing great.

Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

winged phantom · 04-01-2003, 03:54 PM

Hi Halina,
Good to see your post. Right now I would think your only exercises should be just arm curls- no weights. In other words, if you feel like moving and flexing your muscles, go ahead, but nothing strenuous. Go ahead, stand in front of the mirror and act like Charles Atlas!

Right now lots of sleep is probably your biggest ally, and if you can get it, go for it! Hope you are taking good care of yourself...
wr

Debbie2 · 04-01-2003, 08:36 PM

Gosh Bruce it cracks me up how much alike, we and our surgeries were. I hated my first shower, my husband cracked up and told people he knows I thought my head was gonna fall off. I had the clear glue and I could shower anytime. Just felt funny to stand, be wet and raise my arms.
My doctor gave me the option of PT Halina, I just didn't think it was necessary. I didn't let my symptoms go too long so I was weak but worked on it myself. With cans of large green beans to start... no, I'm not a redneck I just think I am.
Then to a little weight thingy.
You just take it slow, I really give some of my success to that alone.
Glad you are good and thanks for posting your story.

Debbie

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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.

Catherine with a C · 04-01-2003, 09:14 PM

Halina,
I may have to go & re-read this post to you in a few days; but.........baby steps!! Baby steps!
I believe, that we tend to want immediate recovery for a problem that we have had for oh, so long. We tend to forget that an immediate "fix" to our problem is not a reality. It took us this long to feel the pain which we feel, our bodies need a wee bit o' time to adjust to the solution........I hope that you are well on your way to feeling better by the time I pop back in (pun intendend), after my own "fix"!!
Please keep your up-dates coming as I know they will
be of great benefit for others.
Until only tomorrow, (HURRAY)! I remain, in pain,
Catherine